| Author | Message | ||
| steveggt (4.4.27.132)
Rating: |
I'd like to install an automatic float charger for the ol' gal. She has 2-8D's now, but I'm going to convert it to 4-Group 31's. I only drive it about once a month, so here are my questions: 1) What size charger...2amp, 5amp? 2) Is there a charger that's weatherproof? 3) Where can I get one (SF Bay Area, CA)? 4) Cost? All help greatly appreciated! Thanks! - Steve | ||
| TWO DOGS (67.209.132.162) Rating: N/A |
If you aren't going to drive a vehicle for a while...disconect one cable from each battery... | ||
| Bill Butler (67.75.227.226)
Rating: N/A |
I have a disconnect between the batteries and use a Battery Minder from Camping world. It is 12 volt so I disconnect between and install a #12 wire jumper between the two batteries so they are now operating as 12 volt. The jumper has alligator clips. Then connect the Battery Minder to one of the batteries. It works excellant and also takes care of de-sulfication, whatever that means. Bill Butler | ||
| Geoff (Geoff) (66.238.120.4)
Rating: N/A |
If you drive it once a month the new batteries should easily stay charged while it is sitting-- as long as you use the battery disconnect. | ||
| BrianMCI96A3 (206.107.222.206) Rating: N/A |
Steve, the easiest, least expensive way to go, would be to buy two 12V float chargers from Harbor Freight(they are on sale right now on their website for $7.49). Hook one to each battery, plug them in and so long as your batteries are in good condition, they will keep them that way. You really don't even need to unhook the cables, so long as the battery disconnect switch is off. Brian | ||
| NELSON (152.163.252.163) Rating: N/A |
I have been useing the H F chargers mentioned above for about three months. they work great and I have always had the power to start my 4104 since I installed them. I run mine from an extention cord from the garage and sometimes it gets disconnected IN THE GARAGE and I don't know if I have power to the chargers. I bought a short extention with three outlets today. it has an L.E.D. light in the end so now I will be able to tell if i have power to the chargers. Nelson , Knoxville TN. | ||
| James Maxwell (Jmaxwell) (66.81.34.213)
Rating: N/A |
I hardly think that these little chargers from HF designed to trickle your lawnmower battery are going to have much effect on an 8d. I know they don't maintain my lawnmower and I have had a few of them, none lasting more than 2-3 months. The maintenance capactity is listed for a 250cca battery as I recall. The output capacity is less than 1 amp at 12.5v. Chargers made to maintain the batteries in your lawnmower just don't cut it for heavy duty starting systems. The battery banks in my bus float at 2.5-3 amps on the Trace, so I just can't see 1 amp or less keeping up. | ||
| Rodger in WA (64.70.24.209) Rating: N/A |
Been using two 12V Battery Minders on my 2 12V 8D batts for a couple of years. The Batt Mndrs also desulphate the batts which is supposed to greatly extend their life. The batts are at least 7 years old (maybe more) and seem to be in good shape. I leave the batts connected to each other and the battery disconnect switch OFF. | ||
| BrianMCI96A3 (198.81.26.45)
Rating: N/A |
One thing to remember, with those battery minders, you have to have a good battery to begin with, a minder will do little for a battery on the brink. If you start with a good, or new even, 8D or 4D or Group 31 with a full charge and put a minder on it with NO draws, a miliamp charger should have no trouble keeping it topped off. I'd think that if you needed 1-2 amps all the time to keep your batteries up, you might have a draw somewhere... If your batteries are in good condition, that is. Brian | ||
| BrianMCI96A3 (198.81.26.45)
Rating: N/A |
The HF minders that are on sale are rated at 15.5V, I just checked the manual. Brian | ||
| Lorin David McCleary (Wacoastmci) (148.78.247.10)
Rating: N/A |
Deltran and Iota both make 24V 3 stage chargers. Deltran is cheaper, lower power (3amp) and smaller. Iota is the opposite of all but very robust from what I hear. I'm planning on getting a Deltran unit to keep the 8D's up when parked for a long while. |
